‘They are not lower order’ - Nathan Lyon opines about Ashwin and Axar Patel’s batting ability

The second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been rather fruitful for the Aussies as compared to the first Test. After their subpar performance in Nagpur, the performances of Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb, and Nathan Lyon helped the side in notching up 263 runs in the first innings and dismantling the Indian batting attack.

After skipper Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Cheteshwar Pujara fell in quick succession to Nathan Lyon, it was Axar Patel who played an inspiring knock of 74 runs off 115 balls and propelled the Indian team to a score of 262. Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s knock of 37 off 71 balls was integral for the Indian team as well, as they fought back with intent.

Nathan Lyon, who was undoubtedly the best bowler for Australia in the first innings, opined about the ability of Axar Patel and Ashwin to perform with the bat and the ball as well. Lyon even stated that Axar and Ashwin should not be counted as lower-order batters.

"They are not lower order; Axar and Ash could easily bat in the top six anywhere in the world; they are not lower order; India have a long top order," Lyon was quoted as saying by News18.

"Very happy with the five-for, we have got the whole eye in the test match, still a lot more work to do. There was a lot more bounce in Delhi as compared to Nagpur. Little bit of bounce is something I like to exploit here, I love playing cricket here in the subcontinent. It is a challenge to bowl here bowling at some world-class superstars," Lyon added.

India will look to fight back on Day 3

After Axar’s brilliant performance with the bat, India will look to build on their momentum by preventing Australia from taking a massive lead in the match. The Aussies lost their first wicket towards the end of Day 2 as Usman Khawaja, who was sensational for them in the first innings, was sent back to the pavilion early.